Health care spending slowdown may not last as economy heats back up

The Associated Press reports that, although health care spending may have slowed, the trend may not last long. In the meantime, The Arizona Republic reports on a website that allows consumers to shop for discounted medical services.

The Associated Press: A Welcome Let-Up In Health Costs That May Not Last
Health care spending has eased up recently, a welcome respite for government and corporate budgets. But why has it? And will relief last or are medical costs on a roller coaster, like gas prices? One explanation for the slowdown says it's a temporary consequence of the recession and an economy that can't seem to hit its stride. A more hopeful view says American medicine is moving from disjointed solo practice to teamwork models aimed at keeping patients healthier, and that's a permanent change (Alonso-Zaldivar, 6/18).

Arizona Republic: Auction Website Lets Patients Suggest Prices
[BidOnHealth.com] allows consumers to shop for discounted rates for routine blood tests or medical-imaging services such as MRIs and CT scans. The site is geared toward people who do not have health insurance or have high-deductible insurance plans that require they spend $1,000 to $10,000 before substantial coverage kicks in. BidOnHealth allows consumers either to accept its discounted price or name their own price for a lab test or a diagnostic image (Alltucker, 6/16).